Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery have announced plans to offer a streaming bundle that mirrors the traditional cable TV package. This bundle, which will be available in the summer, will include Disney+, Hulu, and Max, and will be offered on both ad-supported and commercial-free tiers. While pricing details have not been disclosed, the option will be available at a discounted rate.
In this partnership, Disney will serve as the distributor, collecting subscription fees from subscribers and paying out a percentage to Warner Bros. Discovery. By combining Max, Disney+, and Hulu, subscribers will have access to a wide range of content from broadcast networks such as ABC and Fox, as well as cable networks like TNT, TBS, CNN, Discovery Channel, Food Network, and Disney Channel.
This move by Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery is reminiscent of the traditional cable TV bundle that has seen a decline in recent years. The partnership aims to appeal to consumers who want a more comprehensive streaming experience that encompasses both broadcast and cable networks. It also comes at a time when streaming services are becoming increasingly fragmented, with numerous platforms offering their own exclusive content.
Interestingly, this is not the only collaboration between these two media giants. They have also joined forces with Fox Corp. to launch a sports streaming service expected to debut later this year. Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch has indicated that this sports streaming venture may be bundled with other entertainment streaming services.
Disney has been offering its streaming services as a bundle for some time, including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. However, ESPN+ will not be included in the Warner Bros. Discovery and Disney bundle. It is worth noting that Hulu content has recently been integrated into the Disney+ platform, although separate subscriptions are still required.
When it comes to pricing, Max currently costs $9.99 per month with ads or $15.99 without. Disney+ offers a basic tier with ads for $7.99 per month or a bundled option with Hulu for $9.99 per month. The premium plan for Disney+ is $13.99 per month, or $19.99 with Hulu. Meanwhile, Hulu on its own is priced at $7.99 with ads or $17.99 ad-free.
Overall, the streaming bundle from Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery aims to provide consumers with a more comprehensive streaming experience by combining content from various networks. This partnership reflects the changing landscape of the media industry, where traditional cable TV bundles are being replaced by streaming options. As the streaming market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these partnerships and bundles shape the future of entertainment consumption.
